For Productive Web Browsing, Gearfire Recommends Trick Your Mind Into Using Less of Something
Recently, I returned from a trip overseas to Russia, where I took only a carry-on bag. As such, I bought four of those little 3-oz. travel size bottles for my shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion. When I returned home, I decided to just use up what was in those bottles before going back to using the products from the original bottles.
Lo and behold, I discovered that I use significantly less of each product when I use it from the smaller bottle!
My theory is that it is some kind of rationing technique that my brain developed; it sees that I only have a small bottle of the product so I feel compelled to use less of it than if I were pouring it out from the big bottle. It still performs just as well with less, so that isn’t an issue at all. So if you’re looking to save a little bit of money and use less resources, try moving your things (beauty products, toiletries, even try some foodstuff!) to smaller containers. You might also trick your brain into using less! Also, the smaller containers take up significantly less room in the shower!
Michael said
am July 15 2009 @ 9:37 am
I believe this is true. I drink a lot of ice tea, and no matter how big or small the cup is I always drink it in about the same amount of time.
Stefan | StudySuccessful.com said
am July 15 2009 @ 7:17 pm
Nice insight!
I think this is true also. If you have only that amount of something, you won’t want to use it in one time, so you try to save it for the next time.
But if you have big bottles, you will always think: ‘I still have enough!’ until you don’t have enough.
I like this one Maria, I hope your trip was nice!
Ed said
am July 17 2009 @ 7:18 am
The problem with this when I tried it was I totally forgot that I had the large bottles or forgot that I hid them somewhere in the house–so I ended up buying more stuff. Just a day ago, I was surprised to find some small bottles in my travel bag I brought with me months ago. Also, I sometimes can’t seem to follow your tip, especially when I go to a store and I impulsively buy that new scent of shampoo, lotion, etc.
Maria said
am July 17 2009 @ 9:34 pm
Haha, too true! To combat this, I have a place dedicated to storing the larger bottles (whether that’s in a drawer or cabinet or anywhere, as long as it’s consistent! Labeling things can also work). Impulse buying is also difficult to overcome. I have actually (mostly) stopped buying the larger, more cost efficient bottles of things because I tend to get bored of what I’m using and I really love trying out new products, smells, etc. Even if it is a little bit more expensive, I think it’s worth it to be able to mix things up fairly frequently, and takes some of the guilt out of impulse buying.
Thanks everyone for commenting!
used tires said
am July 20 2009 @ 7:16 pm
Seems like a great idea! In a way… you’re brain almost goes into survival mode. I’ve experienced this before as a college student, who wasn’t able to get to the supermarket for a few days, so I had to save as much as I could on my food to make it threw the week.
Till then,
Jean
arabam said
am July 23 2009 @ 4:29 am
Nice insight!
I think this is true.by the way,I am impressed by this one.
Internet Marketing | Net Age said
am August 1 2009 @ 5:58 am
It is quite funny how we can trick ourselves into using less. You guys will laugh at me, but I use a tube of toothpaste for almost 3 months….and I do brush regularly, I swear!
There is nothing wrong with being frugal and conscious of one’s wasteing of resources. Every penny counts!
Nonfault claims said
am August 1 2009 @ 2:30 pm
Always its beneficial to use less something. And in travel as you told always try to travel with less belongings. Try to count every penny, don’t waste anything..
Lumineers Cost said
am August 3 2009 @ 2:48 am
Nice experiment. I need to try this out soon, as it seems I’m always overusing not only shampoo but also shower gel.
Wendy @ Gopher Promo said
am August 3 2009 @ 3:46 am
In times like this being a little more aware of how much we use can’t hurt us, things are crazy expensive and if that means using less then so be it. toiletries have to be the worst at being expensive I have done this with my shampoo buying the big one and then pouring it into a smaller bottle and its working.
Computer Service St Pete said
am August 4 2009 @ 4:55 am
Interesting story. I learn new things from your experience and i will care about this matter. Thanks.
Office Space Los Angeles said
am September 1 2009 @ 12:58 pm
Great idea, using a less resources can save money also i have this problem with cash in my pocket this often complain from people all money spent out which in pocket sure try out idea!!!
Metal Cases said
am September 4 2009 @ 6:49 pm
Great post! I definitely agree that you can trick your mind this way. I often put things in a smaller bag to make myself think that I am running low. That way it ends up lasting much longer. I’m sure this strategy can be used for a lot of things.
Lumineers Cost said
am September 8 2009 @ 1:27 am
A little update, I filled an old medicine bottle with some shampoo and it took me several weeks to go through it. Now I’m not buying a whole new container of shampoo every month!
oes tsetnoc said
am September 20 2009 @ 11:51 am
it is true, you need to count also even a less penny in your hands, it will save a lot like money, time, etc.. when you use less of something
Dentist St Petersburg said
am October 8 2009 @ 1:12 am
Good idea of save money. It’s really effective tips for it. Thanks for information.
Buy Generic said
am October 21 2009 @ 2:42 pm
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Briefcases said
am November 5 2009 @ 7:16 pm
It is very interesting how the brain can go into conservation mode when it seems there is less of something. It is just as interesting how we tend to use more of something when it seems to be in excess.
Generic said
am November 5 2009 @ 7:20 pm
Very Nice experiment. I need to try this out soon, as it seems I’m always overusing not only shampoo but also shower gel.
snipercup said
am January 4 2010 @ 7:49 pm
Do you know how much it costs to put (the same) products in small(er) containers? the packaging costs skyrockets. The idea of using less is great, but i dont like the method.
- snipercup